A video circulating on social media captures a truck driving down a Singapore expressway with an unusual and precarious load: a whole van. The footage, which lasts about 30 seconds, shows the van secured to the bed of an Isuzu truck with at least two straps attached to its rear wheels. A large red plastic bag serves as a makeshift warning flag. The driver of the camera vehicle, who followed the truck for the duration of the video, can be heard exclaiming in Malay, “Apa ini? Tak malu?” (“What is this? [Do they have] no shame?”).
Background
The video has sparked significant debate online, with many commenters questioning the legality of the truck’s load. Some suggested that the police or the Land Transport Authority (LTA) should be alerted. In July 2024, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat addressed a similar issue when MP Gan Thiam Poh inquired about the regulations for transporting large and bulky items on public roads. Chee confirmed that such loads must be properly secured and, if extending beyond the vehicle’s rear by more than 30cm, must display a red flag as a visual warning.
Weight limits and warning flags
Comments on the video were overwhelmingly critical, with many suggesting that the load was illegal. On Reddit, users debated which specific law the truck might be violating. The footage showed the truck encountering some bumps, causing the van to move up and down, but it did not appear in immediate danger of falling off. According to regulations, a clean red flag is required if the load extends beyond the vehicle’s rear by more than 30cm. While a plastic bag isn’t much, it technically meets this requirement.
Tall, but not too tall
According to the One Motoring website, vehicles exceeding a height of 4.5 metres require a police escort. The combined height of the truck bed and the van did not appear to breach this limit. Despite the hazardous appearance of the setup, it remains unclear whether it was actually illegal. One commenter noted that the Isuzu truck had a Y-plate, indicating it was a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) with a weight limit of about 3,500 kg. The maximum laden weight for an HGV is 16,000 kg, depending on the vehicle’s capability.
Scrapyard wars
One commenter pointed out that the van being carried was a Suzuki Carry, an older model without a licence plate, suggesting it was destined for scrapping. Another comment mentioned that the van was being transported without an engine, making it more likely that the setup met weight restrictions. However, none of the comments explained how the van was loaded onto the truck bed in the first place. Some users criticised the driver of the camera vehicle for tailing the truck, likening the situation to a scene from the film “Final Destination.”
Public reaction and future implications
The video has ignited discussions about road safety and the enforcement of transport regulations in Singapore. While the legality of the truck’s load remains uncertain, the incident highlights the need for clearer guidelines and stricter enforcement. Future developments may include more stringent checks and penalties for vehicles transporting large and bulky items. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations to prevent potential accidents on public roads.
